November Weddings

So far November has been 'weather friendly' for Weddings and Events . . the sun has been shining, sky is blue and clear, the air is crisp (as it should be) and everything is still aglow as we march into November!!!!

These great bouquets were designed for a Wedding last weekend - Full of texture and color -- the Mini-Calla lilies and Orange Spray Roses are like a Flaming Torch of color, the touch of velvet in the dark Red 'Hocus Pocus' Roses, soft plumes of Autumn grasses and those great hypericum berries bursting out in sun kissed yellow and burgundy just continue to provide a feast for the senses that only happens in this glorious season of Autumn!!! Happy Fall Ya All!!!

Top Hats & Lace

The Jim Thorpe Historical Society is such a dynamic group of individuals who are focused on preserving the history of their little mountainside village. This past weekend Jim Thorpe held it's Annual Fall Festival and the Historical Society's fundraiser Ball at the Mauch Chunk Museum and Ballroom. I was lucky enough to be asked to create the centerpieces for this Benefit. Their theme was 'Top Hats & Lace' so I decided to go with it and keep the floral designs in the 'spirit' of things!!!

Out came the ReCreation Top Hat Containers -- so environmentally friendly, gorgeous Red Freedom Roses, Fragrant Lacey White Gilly Flowers (Stock) and a band of Silver Sparkle to add the 'bling' for this night out on the town!

I can't wait to see the photos from this grand Ball because the locals dress up in vintage attire that looks like it is straight out of the Victorian Period.

If you have never been to Jim Thorpe . . you must put it on your list of places to see . . be ready to park the SUV, turn off the Blackberry, Smart Phone and get your walking shoes out because the horse drawn carriages have the right of way on the very narrow streets and alleyways. I can guarantee you that you will fall in love and come back often to visit just to slow down a bit!

A Perfect 'Blue Mountain' Wedding!

Last Saturday was a chapter out of 'Winnie the Pooh & The Blustery Day' because the winds were gusting at about 30 to 40 mph but that didn't stop Missy & Mike from having the Wedding of their Dreams. I had the pleasure of working with them and was thrilled when they selected Best Buds as their Floral Designer.

Fall is one of my favorite times of year and I love the majestic display of color provided by Mother Nature . . so much 'eye candy' to look at and take in and I didn't even mind hanging from the ladder and blowing in the wind as we zip tied down the 'Liquid Amber' branches on the arbor -- thank goodness for Yoga classes to provide me with balance!!


These photos are compliments of Sabotta Imagery & Photography and were taken by Jeffrey and his team of Photo Artists at the newly renovated Blue Mountain Ski Resort in Palmerton, PA. The panoramic views are captured by these talented professionals and I want to personally thank Jeff for allowing me to share his work with all of you . . I hope you enjoy Missy & Mike's Story!

Dessert Anyone?

The Holidays are right around the corner . . why not add a little Sparkle to your Table Scape . . at Best Buds we love the new 'Glitter Sticks' used to add just a touch of the 'Glam' to this bouquet of 'Tiramisu' Spray Roses . . are you ready for some dessert?

How Important Are Sample Designs

Last evening I met with a couple who is planning a large outdoor Wedding in October. . we have been working together for several months orchestrating each component of their big day. Missy and Mike are just a fun couple to be around.
Missy loves flowers . . and a big part of her plans include them . . from the ceremony site .. the aisle and arbor decorations to the centerpieces . . you can just see the joy in her eyes when she describes her vision.
A few weeks ago we were finalizing details and she asked about being able to view the centerpiece samples 'ahead of time' and I actually encourage samples to eliminate any sort of disappointment. Mother Nature can be a little tricky sometimes!!! Flowers do not always arrive in the same shades, sizes, etc. that you may have in mind or you saw in a photo . . so the best way is to see them is 'up close and personal' and that is what we did yesterday during our meeting.
Yes, there is a fee for the sample which includes the cost of the materials used and, of course, the required Sales Tax. I do not charge any labor fees because it is a sample and may need to be re-worked if it does not meet the expectations of my client. Happily I can report that has never happened during a Sample Consultation and last night was no different. Missy beamed, Mike was thrilled and they went home with their designs to share a preview of just some of the floral designs that will be showcased at their Wedding.
To me, no amount of money can take the place of the smiles I see -- they are payment enough. Being able to share the 'power of flowers' with my clients is why I do what I do!
So if you are planning any event . . don't hesitate to check with your Floral Designer about viewing a sample . . it definitely is worthwhile ...just ask Missy & Mike!

The Majesty of Autumn

Most people use calendars to keep track of time but as a Floral Designer, I like to use Flowers . . and you can always tell when Autumn is here because there is no other Season that can burst forth in the majestic colors of Fall!!!

This past weekend I was surrounded by this beauty while I created designs for Kayla and Matt's outdoor Wedding which took place at the picturesque 'Meadows' Event Facility in Hellertown, PA. This venue is surrounded by a stream, stone bridge and mature landscaping which I am sure provided Kelly, from Paula Galante Photography, a feast for her camera lens.

It's true the recent weather has been a wee bit dreary, heavily laden with cloud cover which kept us very moist from the constant 'pop up' showers, but on Saturday, the rain stopped, the warm sunshine burst through and added the 'special effects lighting' to showcase these colorful seasonal bouquets.

What I especially like about this design is the use of three different shades of Asiatic lilies which were an image of perfection blended with berries and preserved Fall leaves.

When you are planning your Fall Event . . don't be shy when it comes to color . . that is what this wonderful Season is all about!

Vineyard Weddings & Events

There is just something about an outdoor late September Wedding that is taking place in the Groom's Vineyard that he had manicured for his bride-to-be to make the perfect backdrop where they would stand facing each other reciting the vows each had written for their special day. It made my heart stir with excitement as I was setting up their event. The day was PERFECT . . . the clear blue sky, warm sunshine, a touch of the crisp cool air & the panoramic view as I gazed out onto row after row of vines that still held their gorgeous clusters of Chardonnay grapes that glistened in the sunlight!
This was Romance at it's finest and I was so happy to be a part of it!